Handbook

Equality and the principle of non-discrimination are central to the enjoyment of human rights and freedoms. This course explores the fundamental principles of the international law of equality and non-discrimination and their place in human rights law. It also examines the application of these principles to selected contemporary circumstances. The course focuses particularly on sex, disability and race discrimination, looking closely at gross or entrenched violations, comparing the approaches of various domestic nondiscrimination law regimes and analysing the main policy debates. Special attention is given to the role and accountability at law of non-state actors. Several eminent guest speakers will address the class on particular topics.

This course is also available to students undertaking relevant postgraduate non-law degree programs at UNSW, provided such enrolment is approved by the appropriate non-law Faculty.

Main Topics

• Theories of equality
• The principle of equality: conceptual and historical background
• The prohibition on discrimination
• Concepts in anti-discrimination: prohibited grounds and special measures
• The International Bill of Human Rights
• Discrimination on the basis of sex and sexual orientation
• Race, religion, ethnicity and discrimination
• Indigenous peoples and discrimination
• Discrimination on the basis of disability
• New grounds of discrimination
• International mechanisms for implementation and compliance
• Comparing and contrasting domestic implementation and enforcement of anti-discrimination principles
• Advocacy for equality, including litigation.